Patents by Inventor Thomas Frank Fric
Thomas Frank Fric has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10215157Abstract: A method is provided for operation of a wind turbine having rotor blades attached to a hub, wherein a controller compensates for torsionally induced blade twist. The method includes operating the wind turbine according to a rated power output curve and maximum design thrust value, and periodically or continuously detecting for induced torsional twist in the rotor blades. Upon determination of torsional twist being induced in the rotor blades, the method includes adjusting the maximum thrust value in the control program to compensate for the induced twist. The wind turbine controller then controls pitch of the rotor blades as a function of the increased maximum thrust value so that power output of the wind turbine is not unnecessarily limited or increased by the induced twist on the rotor blades.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2017Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Franklin Perley, Thomas Frank Fric, Arne Koerber
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Publication number: 20180187647Abstract: A method is provided for operation of a wind turbine having rotor blades attached to a hub, wherein a controller compensates for torsionally induced blade twist. The method includes operating the wind turbine according to a rated power output curve and maximum design thrust value, and periodically or continuously detecting for induced torsional twist in the rotor blades. Upon determination of torsional twist being induced in the rotor blades, the method includes adjusting the maximum thrust value in the control program to compensate for the induced twist. The wind turbine controller then controls pitch of the rotor blades as a function of the increased maximum thrust value so that power output of the wind turbine is not unnecessarily limited or increased by the induced twist on the rotor blades.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2017Publication date: July 5, 2018Inventors: Thomas Franklin Perley, Thomas Frank Fric, Arne Koerber
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Patent number: 9018787Abstract: In one aspect, embodiments of a method of controlling a power rating of a wind turbine are described. One embodiment of the method comprises retrieving, by a computing device, one or more preset values from a memory, wherein the one or more preset values include at least an initial torque setpoint for a wind turbine; determining, by the computing device, an adjusted torque setpoint for the wind turbine based at least in part on one or more operating conditions received from one or more measurement devices associated with the wind turbine; and adjusting a real power output rating of the wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque setpoint. In one aspect, the computing device can be a controller for the wind turbine.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Devendra Shashikant Dange, Thomas Frank Fric, Edward Wayne Hardwicke, Jr., Renjith Viripullan Kekkaroth, Noah Pennington
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Patent number: 8853877Abstract: A method for controlling a wind farm having a power output constraint is disclosed. The method may include operating a plurality of wind turbines within the wind farm. Each wind turbine may include a baseline power output and a maximum power output. The baseline power output may be defined by a control-limited power curve as a function of wind speed. In addition, the method may include comparing a total power output for the wind farm to the power output constraint of the wind farm, controlling the operation of at least one wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines to provide an increased power output for the at least one wind turbine when the total power output is less than the power output constraint.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jonathan Henry Zalar, Thomas Frank Fric
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Publication number: 20130277970Abstract: In one aspect, embodiments of a method of controlling a power rating of a wind turbine are described. One embodiment of the method comprises retrieving, by a computing device, one or more preset values from a memory, wherein the one or more preset values include at least an initial torque setpoint for a wind turbine; determining, by the computing device, an adjusted torque setpoint for the wind turbine based at least in part on one or more operating conditions received from one or more measurement devices associated with the wind turbine; and adjusting a real power output rating of the wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque setpoint. In one aspect, the computing device can be a controller for the wind turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Devendra Shashikant Dange, Thomas Frank Fric, Edward Wayne Hardwicke, JR., Renjith Viripullan Kekkaroth, Noah Pennington
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Patent number: 8096761Abstract: A method for operating a wind turbine. The method includes providing a wind turbine having at least one blade having adjustable pitch angle that is adjusted according to an operational parameter schedule. A blade efficiency parameter is determined in response to a wind speed and a rotor speed. A minimum pitch angle is determined in response to the blade efficiency parameter and the pitch angle of the at least one blade in response to the blade efficiency parameter is maintained to an angle equal to or greater than the minimum pitch angle independent of the operational parameter schedule. A wind turbine plant and a method for servicing a wind turbine are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Frank Fric, Kevin Standish, Kirk Gee Pierce, Bernard Landa
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Patent number: 8038395Abstract: A wind turbine pitch control system is disclosed that provides a pulsed torque to the blade pitch actuator if continuous torque fails to adjust the blade pitch angle to a commanded pitch angle. This invention provides a cost-effective way to increase peak torque capability for existing wind turbines that have problems, under certain operating conditions, moving blades per the control command.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Frank Fric, Negel Ernesto Martin, Bryan J. Troise
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Patent number: 8035242Abstract: A method of controlling a wind turbine that includes at least one rotor shaft and at least one blade operatively coupled to the rotor shaft includes measuring a first wind turbine operational condition that is representative of a blade deflection value and generating a first operational condition signal based on that first wind turbine operational condition. The wind turbine also includes a drive train including at least one rotor shaft and an electric generator. The method also includes measuring at least one second wind turbine operational condition and generating at least one second operational condition signal. The method further includes changing the blade deflection value by changing the second operational condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bernard Landa, Carlos Eduardo Latorre, Thomas Frank Fric, Thomas Omar Converse, Thomas Dinjus, Michael Gregory Brown, Gert Torbohm, Nadine Schuell
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Publication number: 20110140431Abstract: A method of controlling a wind turbine that includes at least one rotor shaft and at least one blade operatively coupled to the rotor shaft includes measuring a first wind turbine operational condition that is representative of a blade deflection value and generating a first operational condition signal based on that first wind turbine operational condition. The wind turbine also includes a drive train including at least one rotor shaft and an electric generator. The method also includes measuring at least one second wind turbine operational condition and generating at least one second operational condition signal. The method further includes changing the blade deflection value by changing the second operational condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventors: Bernard Landa, Carlos Eduardo Latorre, Thomas Frank Fric, Thomas Omar Converse, Thomas Dinjus, Michael Gregory Brown, Gert Torbohm, Nadine Schuell
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Publication number: 20110135466Abstract: A system is disclosed for monitoring and controlling the deflection of turbine blades of a wind turbine. The system includes a passive position detecting apparatus and a controller. The passive position detecting apparatus may be configured to acquire and transmit data relating directly to a position of at least one of the turbine blades. The controller may be configured to receive the data from the passive position detecting apparatus and compare such data to a known position reference to determine turbine blade deflection.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: CARLOS EDUARDO LATORRE, THOMAS CONVERSE, MICHAEL GREGORY BROWN, BERNARD P. LANDA, THOMAS FRANK FRIC, THOMAS ERNST DINJUS, GERT TORBOHM, NADINE SCHÜLL
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Publication number: 20100098540Abstract: A method for operating a wind turbine. The method includes providing a wind turbine having at least one blade having adjustable pitch angle that is adjusted according to an operational parameter schedule. A blade efficiency parameter is determined in response to a wind speed and a rotor speed. A minimum pitch angle is determined in response to the blade efficiency parameter and the pitch angle of the at least one blade in response to the blade efficiency parameter is maintained to an angle equal to or greater than the minimum pitch angle independent of the operational parameter schedule. A wind turbine plant and a method for servicing a wind turbine are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Thomas Frank Fric, Kevin Standish, Kirk Gee Pierce, Bernard Landa
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Publication number: 20090246021Abstract: A wind turbine pitch control system is disclosed that provides a pulsed torque to the blade pitch actuator if continuous torque fails to adjust the blade pitch angle to a commanded pitch angle. This invention provides a cost-effective way to increase peak torque capability for existing wind turbines that have problems, under certain operating conditions, moving blades per the control command.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Thomas Frank FRIC, Negel Ernesto MARTIN, Bryan J. TROISE
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Patent number: 7581921Abstract: A control system for a rotary machine is provided. The rotary machine has at least one rotating member and at least one substantially stationary member positioned such that a clearance gap is defined between a portion of the rotating member and a portion of the substantially stationary member. The control system includes at least one clearance gap dimension measurement apparatus and at least one clearance gap adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly is coupled in electronic data communication with the measurement apparatus. The control system is configured to process a clearance gap dimension signal and modulate the clearance gap dimension.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bharat Sampathkumaran Bagepalli, Patrick Lee Jansen, Gary R. Barnes, Thomas Frank Fric, James Patrick Francis Lyons, Kirk Gee Pierce, William Edwin Holley, Corneliu Barbu
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Patent number: 7540156Abstract: A combustion liner for a gas turbine combustion system is provided. The combustion liner comprises a combustion zone between an inlet end and an exhaust end. The combustion liner comprises a one-piece casting construction. The combustion liner is formed from a nickel-based superalloy having strength characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mark Roger Brown, Thomas Frank Fric, Thomas Edward Johnson, Anne Elizabeth Kolman
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Publication number: 20070292260Abstract: A control system for a rotary machine is provided. The rotary machine has at least one rotating member and at least one substantially stationary member positioned such that a clearance gap is defined between a portion of the rotating member and a portion of the substantially stationary member. The control system includes at least one clearance gap dimension measurement apparatus and at least one clearance gap adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly is coupled in electronic data communication with the measurement apparatus. The control system is configured to process a clearance gap dimension signal and modulate the clearance gap dimension.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2006Publication date: December 20, 2007Inventors: Bharat Sampathkumaran Bagepalli, Patrick Lee Jansen, Gary R. Barnes, Thomas Frank Fric, James Patrick Francis Lyons, Kirk Gee Pierce, William Edwin Holley, Corneliu Barbu
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Patent number: 6896475Abstract: A diffuser includes an opening along the diffuser wall for preventing or delaying boundary layer separation of the main flow. The opening may include a curved passageway having a curvature convex relative to the main flow for utilizing the Coanda effect. A gas turbine may include the diffuser with an opening and a centerbody with an opening, each for providing a secondary flow of fluid into the diffuser. The gas turbine may direct fluid from an upstream turbine stage to the opening. A steam turbine may include the diffuser and may situate the opening downstream the diffuser inlet but upstream the location of boundary separation.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Paolo Graziosi, Richard Edwin Warren, Jr., Thomas Frank Fric, Ramani Mani, Douglas Carl Hofer
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Publication number: 20040091350Abstract: A diffuser includes an opening along the diffuser wall for preventing or delaying boundary layer separation of the main flow. The opening may include a curved passageway having a curvature convex relative to the main flow for utilizing the Coanda effect. A gas turbine may include the diffuser with an opening and a centerbody with an opening, each for providing a secondary flow of fluid into the diffuser. The gas turbine may direct fluid from an upstream turbine stage to the opening. A steam turbine may include the diffuser and may situate the opening downstream the diffuser inlet but upstream the location of boundary separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2002Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventors: Paolo Graziosi, Richard Edwin Warren, Thomas Frank Fric, Ramani Mani, Douglas Carl Hofer
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Patent number: 6383602Abstract: A method for improving the cooling effectiveness of a gaseous coolant stream which flows through at least one passage hole in a substrate to an exit site on a high-temperature surface of the substrate is disclosed. The method comprises disrupting the coolant stream at the exit site, so that the coolant stream contacts a greater area of the high-temperature surface. In some embodiments, the exit site is a crater. Moreover, the exit site may be formed within a coating applied over the substrate, e.g., a thermal barrier coating applied over a superalloy substrate. Related articles are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Frank Fric, Robert Patrick Campbell
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Patent number: 5859704Abstract: A method of superficial laser induced fluorescence for measuring film cooling performance within a fluid tunnel apparatus includes the step of introducing a test fluid uniformly dyed with a fluorescent dye into the fluid tunnel apparatus so as to surround a cooling model having a test geometry. The cooling model is positioned adjacent to a laser sheet. A background fluorescent image of the test fluid about the cooling model is recorded. The test fluid is then flushed from the tunnel apparatus. Next, a cooling simulation fluid flow and a hot gas simulation flow are introduced within the fluid tunnel apparatus. The cooling simulation fluid contains the same fluorescent dye concentration as the test fluid and the hot gas simulation fluid contains no fluorescent dye. A data image of the cooling simulation fluid flow is recorded about the cooling model as the cooling simulation fluid flow passes through the cooling model and into the hot gas simulation fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Frank Fric, Robert Otto Auer, Robert Patrick Campbell
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Patent number: 5851105Abstract: A strut bridges inner and outer walls of a frame defining a flow channel for channeling a fluid therethrough. The strut has leading and trailing edges, and a root and tip, and is tapered between the root and tip for varying frequency and amplitude of vortex shedding.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1997Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Frank Fric, Michael Lewis James